LONDON (AP) - It's been 50 years. But other than the lines and crags on their faces, you wouldn't have known that it's been that long since The Rolling Stones began playing as a band.

The aging rock band played the first of five shows in London to mark their half-century mark.

Lead singer Mick Jagger led the group through its paces during a two and a half-hour show - joined by former bass player Bill Wyman and guitar player Mick Taylor jamming with their former mates on stage. The show was held at the O2 Arena.

Lead guitarist Keith Richards - who has survived battles with booze and drugs - told the audience during one break: "I'm happy to see you. I'm happy to see anybody."

Jagger told the audience "it's amazing" the Stones are still playing - and that people are still buying their records and coming to their shows. He ended his comments with: "Thank you, thank you, thank you."